Nick Hogan Sentenced to 8 Months in Jail

Nick Hogan, aka Nick Bollea, threw himself on the mercy of the court yesterday, and today he stood before the judge at a Pinellas County adult courtroom. The judge made the point that Nick is 17 years-old, but he is charged with a felony and is in an adult court. As a juvenile the judge wants to give him the opportunity to rehabilitate himself, but since he is charged with an adult crime, he also sees the need for punishment.

The judge also said that Nick’s actions were willful, and malicious, even though the end result was not intended. He said he took issue with the characterization that John Graziano’s injuries were the result of an accident, especially when Nick has a history of brazenly speeding, and even race car drivers understand that speeding should be done on race track where other people are less likely to be hurt, so the injuries were a result of willful and conscious decisions made by Nick.

The judge said it appears based on the letter Nick wrote, and what his family said, it appears Nick is starting the process of growing up, and is remorseful. The judge said there is a need for some punishment, and rehabilitation.

Nick was sentenced to the maximum of 5 years of probation. Nick has to do at least 500 hours of community service. The judge rejected a buy-out provision, where Nick could buy-out of his community service. Nick cannot do speaking engagements and count those hours as community service, but rather Nick must perform services like John Graziano performed as a Marine to properly honor John. Nick’s driver’s license will be revoked for 3 years. That will hurt him a lot, because he loves to drive fast. That license revocation may not apply to a race track. Nick also can’t drink during his five year probation, and must get an alcohol evaluation. Nick will need attend a DUI school. The restitution cost will be decided in the civil case, and Nick must pay all court costs in the criminal case decided today.

The judge gave Nick credit for accepting responsibility early in the case, and the judge believes Nick is remorseful, which factored heavily in the judge’s willingness to grant nick the sentence handed down today.

However, the judge said Nick must receive some incarceration for him to realize there are consequences for his actions. Nick was sentenced to 8 months in the Pinellas County jail to begin immediately, with time served credit. Nick was facing a maximum 5 year jail sentence.

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